Important Steps To Take After A Car Accident

Each year, between 20 and 50 million people are injured or disabled in vehicle accidents worldwide. In the U.S. alone, over 2.35 million drivers or passengers are injured or disabled due to vehicle accidents. Considering how common road accidents are, it makes sense to prepare yourself and learn the important steps to take after a car accident.

1. Check Yourself for Injuries

After a car accident, your body may react with a sudden rush of adrenalin. This may prevent you from feeling your injuries right away. That’s why it’s important to physically run your hands over your body to see if there are wounds. Try to gauge if you have difficulty moving, or have one or more limbs trapped. If you experience any discomfort, remain still until help arrives, as long as the vehicle is in a safe place and you’re not in jeopardy by remaining in the vehicle.

2. Check Passengers for Injuries

If you are able, check on the well being of your passengers. You can do this either physically, or by calling their name. If you are unhurt, you can physically assess their condition, but avoid moving them unless the vehicle itself is an unsafe condition.

3. Call for Help

Dial 911. As clearly as you can, state your name and the location of the vehicle. Answer all questions, including how many passengers are in your vehicle. If you can, engage your emergency warning lights in order to help alert medical help as to your whereabouts.

4. Take a Record of the Accident

If you’re able, take cell phone pictures of the accident scene, including such things as the road conditions, any other vehicles involved in the accident, the traffic conditions, the weather conditions, nearby signs and signal lights, and of course the condition of your own vehicle. This record will help your auto accident attorney to gather all the information pertaining to the accident.

5. Speak to Witnesses

If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask them for their name and contact information. They could supply helpful information about the accident that could assist your car accident attorney as they build the case to represent you.

6. Remain on the Scene

Unless there is a life-threatening situation, it’s important for you to remain on the scene of a vehicle accident. In most states, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in and of itself. After the police have arrived to take a report, you can leave as long as you’ve received permission from law enforcement personnel.

When you have been involved in a car accident, get the help and compensation you deserve. The Los Angeles injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani have and continues to help accident victims fight for their justice everyday. Let them fight for you too!